Today I wrote to Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, to ask him to reconsider the invitation for BNP leader Nick Griffin to appear on Question Time on Thursday.

The letter can be read below.

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Dear Mr Thompson

Appearance of British National Party leader on Question Time

I am writing to ask you to withdraw the invitation to Mr Nick Griffin to appear as a guest on the Question Time programme this Thursday, 22 October 2009.

Mr Griffin is the head of a neo-Nazi organisation. Both he and the Party he leads have a well-documented history of hate-crime, Holocaust denial and racism; appalling views and conduct which should not be given this type of platform.
 
As the MP for Ealing, Acton & Shepherds Bush, which includes Television Centre from which  the broadcast  is due to take place, I represent one of the most ethnically diverse and integrated constituencies in the UK. On behalf of my constituents, but in particular those from black and minority ethnic communities, and of Muslim or Jewish faith, I urge you to reconsider your unwise invitation to Mr Griffin, even at this late stage.

The comfort you will give to racists, anti-Semites and anti-Islamic bigots by welcoming the BNP to the political mainstream will do immense harm both to community relations generally and I fear to the safety of individuals and families. This is not about freedom of speech it is about giving respectability  and confidence  to fascists and racists. From the comfort of the BBC boardroom this may appear to be an interesting debate and an opportunity to generate controversy and publicity. From the perspective of the BNP’s victims it looks reckless and callous. Please think again.

Yours sincerely,
 
Andy Slaughter

MP for Ealing, Acton & Shepherds Bush